Essential Roofing And Ladder Safety Tips

roofing

Sadly, around 500,000 people suffer from ladder related injuries every year in the United States alone. It is critical that all homeowners fully understand ladder safety, especially when you are considering using one to do some roof maintenance. Similarly, it is vital that you exercise safety not only on and around the ladder but also on the roof itself.

Below are some of the important rules and tips that you should follow at all times.

Initially, the main rule is the three point contact rule. This rule explains how, when you’re using a ladder, you must maintain three spots of contact with the ladder itself. Generally this takes the spots of two hands and always, at least one foot on the ladder. This rule allows for you to always stay stable and safe when going up and down the ladder.

If we consider that you have two hands on the ladder, how are you supposed to transport the tools you need?

Through the use of either a tool belt or a tool carry box, you are able to hands-free transport all the tools you need. Keeping your hands free for keeping yourself versatile and steady.

Additionally, caution needs to be addressed when transporting the ladder itself around the worksite. Overhead electrical lines present a risk to the long ladders. Always ensure everyone on the worksite is aware of where the electrical lines are and are being cautious when moving the ladders.

It is easy to let these tips slip from your mind when you are distracted or even if you are in a hurry. You definitely do not ever want to be in a hurry when working around roofing and a ladder. It is essential that you are continuously aware of all of your surroundings. Ensure that any ladders are always steady and secure at all times. Additionally, it is important that you make sure that you are making use of an appropriately sized ladder to make sure that it will be steady all the time.

Finally, ensure that whenever you are on the ladder you are facing the ladder. By addressing all of these tips and rules, you will be safe whenever you’re working with and around ladders and roofing.

Signs That You May Need To Replace Your Roof

Replacing your roof is a major expense and you might want to put it off for as long as possible. The problem is that there are times when you should not leave the replacement for the future. Fortunately, there are a number of signs that you can look for which tell you that it is time to replace your roof.

Light In The Attic

A lot of people assume that the first place to look for a sign is the outside of your home. The truth is that you should look in the attic first. This is an easier area to access and if there are problems in the attic you know that you need to replace your roof.

When you are in the attic, you need to take a look under the eaves. You are looking for beams of light coming through the top of the house. You should also look for any stains and streaks as this is a sign that there is a leak in the roof.

The Age Of Your Roof

The age of your roof can be a sign that you need to have it replaced. You should consider how long it has been since your roof was installed or replaced. If you have asphalt shingles, you will need to replace the roof after 20 to 25 years. However, if the roof was installed over an existing layer of shingles, you will need to replace it after 20 years.

Other roof materials may have a long lifespan and you need to consider this. Slate shingles will last longer and you might never have to replace them in your lifetime. However, if you have never replaced the roof, you might need to.

Check The Shingles

If the attic does not have problems and you are not due a replacement, you need to look at your shingles. This is something that you should do after heavy storms and at the end of each season. The shingles should lie flat on the roof and if they are curling away you need to replace them.

You will also need to replace shingles if any of them are missing or broken. You should also look at the gutters for any shingle granules. If your roof is losing a lot of shingle granules, it is coming to the end of its useful lifespan.

There are a number of signs that tell you it is time to replace your roof. These signs can be seen from inside the attic and when you look at the shingles.

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Common Problems That May Develop On Your Roof

If your roof is a decade old or more, it is likely that it has developed a few problems. These may not be expensive, but they could become something very deleterious, leading to much more expensive repairs. Whether you are missing shingles, shakes, or if you have a leak, all of this needs to be addressed right away. There are many other problems that can occur, regardless of the material from which the roof is made. Here are some of the more likely problems that you may encounter with an older roof.

The Development Of Leaks

Leaks are probably one of the most common problems that a roof may develop. This has to do with the constant wear and tear that the roof may experience. This is much more common in areas where you have inclement weather. Substantial amounts of rain, and even snow, can lead to these problems. In some cases, the problems are caused by accident such as shoveling off a roof and damaging the shingles, or perhaps a tree branch has impacted with the roof leading to the leak that will manifest.

Other Problems That You May Experience With Your Roof

Some of the other problems that you may experience include pooled water or even shrinkage. Punctures and holes are typically associated with leaking. A roof can also blister and crack, particularly in areas of the world where the temperatures can be extremely hot or cold. Snow damage is also quite common, along with ice damage, and there is always the problem of dealing with a roof that was not installed properly. All of this can be resolved by a competent roofer that will be happy to provide you with a quote on how much it will cost to get these repairs completed.

Whether you are in a rural area with just a few options, or a large urban city, roofing professionals will always be available to help. Your job is to locate them and request an estimate. This can typically be done within a week, giving you several different options as to who you will use to repair your roof. Once completed, you will see how important it is to fix a roof that is currently having problems that may eventually lead to larger difficulties that are much more expensive. If possible, get at least four or five estimates from local roofers, one of which will offer you a great deal.

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By Roof Restoration Brisbane

Things You need to Consider Before Installing A Skylight

In today’s culture most homeowners want to save as much money as they possibly can and to find various ways to lower their environmental footprint without emptying your wallet. There is absolutely no denying that having a skylight installed can help in decreasing power costs, but it has additionally been mentioned that sunlight can also offer you a variety of unanticipated health and wellness benefits. It is also a very stylish look that lets you utilise the use of natural light.

But before you make your final decision, there are some essential points that you should consider:

Firstly, it is essential that you find a reliable roofing service or company that has experience with skylight installation such as Roof Restoration South Adelaide. Without appropriate installation, a variety of considerable problems may arise.

By picking a roofing contractor that has the certification and experience, they are able to establish the appropriate positioning for your new skylight system. They will also be able to give you recommendations on which type works the best for you, considering the incline of your own roof, as well as the overall design of your property.

The kind of glass that select also makes a big impact. Skylights are often made using laminated, or tempered glass – each of which can provide protection, in the event that it gets broken. As an example, when your residence is encompassed by large trees, there’s a danger that your particular skylight might get damaged during severe varying weather conditions. This is the reason it is crucial that the roofing company should assist you to decide what sort of glass perfectly suited to your individual needs. You may also want soft light or full light for your particular needs and the type of glass can greatly effect this.

The correct materials as well as the proper placement both have an impact on how your skylight performs.

What Are Roof Tiles?

coloured roof tilesRoof tiles have been around for a very long time. There are plenty of reasons tiles have been around for a long time as well. Below, we will be going over some of the benefits of roof tiles.

Benefits Of Roof Tiles:

1. Long Lasting.

One of the most significant benefits of roof tiles is their long-lasting nature. Because they are so durable, they are going to be capable of lasting a very long time. In fact, a roof tile can last over 100 years when it is properly installed and in the right climate. They have been known to be able to handle all kinds of extreme weather conditions as well. This is primarily why a lot of builders opt for roof tiles over other materials because of their long-lasting nature and extreme durability. Once you install them, you pretty much do not have to worry about them henceforth.

2. A Lot Of Options To Choose From.

Another good thing about roof tiles is the fact that they come in a variety of different styles. You will be able to choose from all sorts of different roof tiles which will give you a lot of freedom when choosing. You can choose from clay, slate, concrete, and more when you are looking to invest in roof tiles. This will allow you to really be able to get what you want out of the tiles in terms of how they look.

3. No Drawbacks Of Wood.

Another significant benefit that you get from installing tiles is the fact that you don’t have to deal with all of the drawbacks that come with wood roofing materials. When you install wood as your roofing material, you have to deal with all kinds of potential issues including potential insect damage and even rot. Tiles are not going to decay over time so you don’t have to worry about that.

4. Very Low Maintenance.

Another significant benefit that comes with roof tiles is their low maintenance nature. You simply do not have to maintain roof tiles as you would other kinds of roofing materials. Leaks are typically not common with this sort of roofing material and it is not very common to need to perform much maintenance until they eventually break or give in.

Overall, there are a lot of benefits of opting for roof tiles over other sorts of roofing materials for your next roof. For professional tile roofing solutions see Roof Restoration Sutherland Shire.

The Benefits Of Roof Shingles

what are roofing shinglesWhen it comes to choosing the ideal material for your next roof, there is a lot to consider. You want to really look at some of the benefits that come with certain materials over others. Below, we will be going over some of the benefits of roof shingles.

Benefits Of Roof Shingles:

1. Lower Cost.

One of the main benefits that you are going to get with roof shingles is having a lower cost option that you can go with. Instead of having to spend a lot of money on your roofing, you will be able to opt for a much lower cost option that is going to give you the same (if not better) results. Because shingles have been around and because there are so many different manufacturers making them, a lot of the manufacturers have streamlined the process which means that the cost has come down considerably. You should be able to acquire shingles at a good price point and they will offer a very good value on your investment.

2. Low Maintenance.

Another significant benefit that you are going to be able to enjoy with roof shingles is having a low maintenance roof. Shingles typically require less in terms of maintenance than other options that you might be faced with. Because shingles are typically very durable and less likely to break than others, they are going to prove to be lower maintenance.

3. All Kinds Of Options To Consider.

Another benefit that comes with shingles is the endless amount of options available to choose from. Because there are a variety of different kinds of shingles that you can choose from that come in a variety of different colors, you should be able to find something suitable for your home. You can even find shingles that can mimic the look of more natural offerings such as wood grain or even tile without having to spend more money on those materials or deal with the drawbacks they come with.

4. Withstand High Winds.

Unlike some of the other materials that you might have to choose from, you are going to be able to invest in shingles knowing that they can withstand some of the highest winds. This means you won’t have to worry about losing your roof or having it damaged because of high winds if you are located in an area that experiences it a lot.

There are a lot of benefits that you should be considering if you are looking at shingles for your roofing material of choice.

Contributed by Roof Restoration Penrith

Your Roof and Storm Damage

The roof is essential to keeping your family and possessions safe and sound. Following a storm, it is essential to check it to make sure no damage has occurred. Including the slightest damage, if not dealt with promptly, can result in bigger problems at a later time.

The damage that can be caused will differ depending if its caused by rain, wind, hail or snow, they all have a slightly different effect on the roof. After having a storm occurs, if there is no noticeable damage inside, go outside and do a visual inspection from your ground. Search for any missing shingles or tiles or if any sheet metal may have lifted. Note if any of the flashing has torn away from the chimney or edges or whether some shingles may have curled.

If you have been unlucky enough to have had hail it can crack shingles or tiles. Worse, it might fracture them which can eventually increase the risk of the need of major works being required. This type of damage can potentially cause serious leaks inside of the home. If you notice any stains on your ceiling after a storm it is a good indication that there is a serious leak. Strong wind can also cause large damage and can also tear off tiles and shingles. When it is severe enough it might tear the roof away from the structure. It can also cause debris such as branches to fall on the roof and cause damage.

You can also check the roof with a ladder to get a better idea of any damage. If you are not comfortable doing this or your roof is too steep or two high then simply call your nearby certified roofing company for help immediately. Tell them whatever you detected from the own visual inspection. In case you have an insurance claim, the roofers work with the insurer to assist file claiming to suit your needs. They may make the necessary repairs immediately. Do not forget that right after a major storm many other people may have experienced roof damage. This may mean it may need your roofing company a little more time to get to you. If you can get your roof looked at before storm season to make sure it is strong and secure this can be a great way to minimize the risk.

Get a professional roof inspection with Roof Restoration Brisbane.

Common Solar Power Panel Issues

solar panelsSo what essentially is a solar panel?

Primarily, you’ve got a frame which happens to be typically manufactured from aluminium, and inside the frame you will find silicone cells. Protecting the inside silicone cells is typically a thick sheet of glass. This is a very stable and solid design and requires a minimal amount of maintenance. However, if you happen to have to purchase low-quality solar panels, you may have a few additional issues. Overall as long as you keep your panels clean and they do not get damaged you should have them for a very long time.

Some common issues include:

Problem accessing direct sun – The most frequent issue when you glance at the practicality of the solar is that they are only able to work certain hours through the day and are greatly affected by bad weather. Once the sun decreases, it serves no purpose before the next morning. Ig you happen to use an on-demand solar panel system, this is often an issue. In fact, any sort of shade can certainly make the panels less efficient, meaning you won’t have the ability to harvest as much power as you desire. Unfortunately, there is nothing which can be done relating to this problem. It’s a matter of waiting it all out. It is important to make sure that the panels are installed on the sunniest side of the house and that branches and other things that create shade are minimised for the best results.

Hotspots – We all know that solar energy panels will flourish in sunny areas. Yet not so many people are aware that too much heat can actually also decrease the efficiency amounts of the most solar panels. Simply because solar power is far more determined by the UV rays than everything else. This will again vary depending on the quality of the panels that you purchase.

Budget – The value of solar panel systems has dropped tremendously throughout the years, the equipment that accompanies them continues to be relatively expensive. If you are working with limited funds, but you want a solar panel system with substance, it could be a difficult situation. The lower end of the market is still less efficient and often more susceptible to damage. This is changing over time and the benefits are getting greater and greater as the panels get more efficient and the price of power rises.

Article by Roof Restoration Narre Warren

Common Roofing Issues

Identifying some of the most common roof problems early on can help save you a lot of money in the long run. It may save you from spending a fortune on complete roof replacement in the future. There are many common signs that will tell the homeowner that there is a problem with his/her roof. Here are some of the common roofing problems that you need to be on the lookout for.

Poor or faulty installation is a common roofing problem that can dramatically reduce the life expectancy of your roof. It is best that you work with a professional roofing contractor when installing the roof to avoid such issues. A qualified and experienced roofing contractor will install your roof properly and prevent such problems over time. Moisture will get under the layers of the roof over time due to wind, rain, snow, hail, ice, and debris collected on the roof. This could result in leaks, rotting, and the spreading of mold on the roof. Preventive maintenance is important to keep your roof free of such issues. Make sure that you work with a reliable roofing contractor in the area to maintain the roof and prevent it from deteriorating due to the aforementioned problems.

Flashing is important to seal the areas of the roof that have been penetrated for various reasons such as vents, pipes, chimneys, skylights, or HVAC systems. When the flashing is not attached properly, it may cause open seams and cause the tiles to blow off after some time. That is why it is important to install the flashing properly. Make sure that you work with a professional roofing contractor when installing the flashing.

Small birds and animals can cause damage to the roof. If you find such animals living in your attic, you should get rid of them as soon as possible to prevent them from damaging the roof. Water that ponds on the roof is another common issue affecting most of the roofs. A common cause for this is improper drainage from HVAC systems and debris buildup on the roof. Overhanging tree limbs can cause damage to your roof over time. Hence, it is important to cut such limbs before they grow into a problem. These are some of the common roofing problems that you need to take care of before it is too late.

# The aforementioned article provides information on some of the common roofing problems. Thank to the team at Roof Restoration Northern Suburbs Melbourne for the content.

Slate roof care

slate roofingFirstly, I want to say thanks to Slate Roofing Sydney for all their help on this one. If you need any slate roofing done in Sydney these are there services:
Slate roof repairs
New slate roofs
Slate roof restoration
Slate roof replacement

This article is to highlight the two biggest mistakes that people make when they are trying to care for their slate roofs. Theses problems come out due to the fact that slate is actually a very delicate material when it comes to roofing. Other products such as tile or metal just simply don’t have the same issues. It is extremely important when dealing with anything to do with slate that you are extremely delicate and cautious. Slate is very expensive and these mistakes can indeed be very costly. I personally recommend only using a slate professional but I don understand that sometimes you do have to address issues yourself.

Don’t walk on slate

Don’t ever walk on your slate roof. Slate can easily break under your weight. Even professional slate roofers that know exactly where to walk can easily break older tiles. Instead you can get a lengthy ladder and place it alongside the house, making sure to secure it as you go. This will offer you enough reach to still get the hose to most areas.

Avoid using strong powered cleaner such as pressure washers

Avoid strong powered pressure washers. As I have mentioned before slate is a more delicate material to tiles or shingles and can be chipped or cracked very easily, it is simply not worth the risk of using high powered cleaners. If your pressure washer does not have a power setting that you can adjust then you may be better off just using a hose or leaf blower.